Infrared Imaging Modules for Building Occupancy and Hazard Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors and detectors in buildings are not cost-effective and insufficient for comprehensive monitoring and control, failing to provide detailed data necessary for intelligent monitoring and control suitable for modern green buildings, despite the increasing demand for energy efficiency and safety standards.
Innovation Solution
The use of small infrared imaging modules to capture and analyze thermal images for detecting occupants, identifying power-consuming objects, and monitoring environmental conditions, allowing for control of these objects to enhance energy efficiency and safety, such as detecting hazardous conditions like gas leaks, fires, and electrical hotspots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensors and detectors are used for building monitoring, then the system is simpler and cheaper, but the measurement precision and comprehensiveness of monitoring data are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using a single infrared imaging module to perform multiple monitoring tasks including occupant detection, power-consuming object identification, environmental condition monitoring, and safety hazard detection. This replaces the need for multiple separate conventional sensors (motion detectors, smoke detectors, CO detectors, etc.), thereby improving measurement precision while actually reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple conventional detection devices into a single integrated infrared imaging system. By combining thermal imaging capability with various detection algorithms, the system achieves comprehensive monitoring (occupancy, energy consumption, environmental conditions, safety hazards) that was previously requiring separate sensors, thus improving data comprehensiveness without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conventional detectors are installed to provide comprehensive monitoring, then the coverage is improved, but the cost-effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared imaging module provides universal monitoring capability for multiple purposes (occupancy detection, energy consumption tracking, environmental monitoring, safety hazard detection) through a single device, eliminating the need to purchase and install multiple specialized detectors while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a thermal image copy of the scene that contains information about all objects and conditions, allowing the single detector to monitor everything that multiple physical detectors would detect, thereby reducing cost while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage.
3Productivity
If conventional sensors are used, then the device complexity is lower, but the productivity of intelligent control is reduced due to insufficient data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electrical sensors with an optical-infrared based detection system that uses thermal imaging. This substitution enables the system to capture comprehensive thermal information about occupants, objects, and environmental conditions, providing rich data for intelligent control algorithms to optimize building systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared imaging module serves as an intermediary that captures thermal information and converts it into data that can be processed by control algorithms. This intermediary provides the bridge between physical conditions and intelligent control decisions, enabling productivity improvement without requiring direct complex sensor interfaces for each control function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient energy management and enhanced safety by providing detailed thermal data analysis for intelligent control of building systems, improving both energy efficiency and occupant safety through the use of infrared imaging modules.
Implementation Method 1
a focal plane array configured to detect thermal radiation from objects in a scene and generate a thermal image
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring and controlling using small infrared imaging modules to enhance occupant safety and energy efficiency of buildings and structures. In one example, thermal images captured by infrared imaging modules may be analyzed to detect presence of persons, identify and classify power-consuming objects, and monitor environmental conditions. Based on the processed thermal images, various power-consuming objects (e.g., an HVAC system, lighting, a water heater, and other appliances) may be controlled to increase energy efficiency. In another example, thermal images captured by infrared imaging modules may be analyzed to detect various hazardous conditions, such as a combustible gas leak, a CO gas leak, a water leak, fire, smoke, and, an electrical hotspot. If such hazardous conditions are detected, an appropriate warning may be generated and/or various objects may be controlled to remedy the conditions.